When moving into a new property, it's easy to get caught up with unpacking boxes and arranging furniture. To save you headaches and hassles at the end of your lease, however, it is crucial that you fill your condition report in correctly when you move in. Some handy tips to help you complete your condition report follow.

Be Comprehensive and Accurate

This isn't a time to be modest or vague—it is very important, for both your own and your landlord's benefit, that you record all damages, blemishes and broken fittings at the beginning of your lease. Before you move all your furniture and boxes in, check all flooring for stains, discolouration, water damage, burns or significant wear. Look over all of the walls, and note down holes, scratches, damage and picture frame hooks. Open and close windows and check both the seals and the screens for holes.

Once the electricity has been connected, check all lights, ceiling fans, heating and cooling units, and inbuilt appliances. Check the oven for the level of cleanliness, condition of the wire racks, and that it heats and functions effectively. Also note the condition of the garden, both in the front and back yards. Finally, ensure that the property is secure and lockable, and that the keys provided have been photocopied for the rental record.

Take Some Photos

If there is notable damage throughout the property or areas that are very unclean, you may like to take some photos to support your condition report. Take good quality, well-lit photos, and ensure that your photos are printed with a date stamp. Print two copies—one set to submit alongside your condition report, and a second set to keep for your own record, in case of conflict upon vacating the property.

Record Any Agreed upon Repairs

If there is significant damage in the house upon entry and your landlord agrees to repair these damages soon after you moving in, make sure that you record the proposed repairs on your condition report. This will give both the property manager and yourself written evidence of agreed upon repairs, and an acceptable time frame for the repairs to be completed in.

If you find, in the following weeks or months, that these repairs are not completed, you can contact the property manager to discuss the issue further without having to explain the previous agreement.

Submit Your Condition Report on Time

Once you have completed your condition report meticulously, submit it with any supporting documents and photos within seven days of beginning your tenancy. By submitting your condition report on time, you will not only be adhering to residential tenancy requirements—you will start the ball rolling with any agreed upon repairs, and be notified of any previously unknown damages requiring attention (such as end of lease cleaning).

Keep a Copy Handy

Along with your lease agreement, keep a photocopy of your condition report and any condition photos. Add to this collection of documents as you receive your bond receipt confirmation, any rental receipts and correspondences with your property manager throughout your tenancy. You may even like to keep a diary of repairs, inspections and phone conversations—information that is very important if there is a bond dispute at the end of your lease period.

By complete your condition report accurately, and keeping a detailed record of documents and repairs, you will do your best to protect your rental tenancy rights and responsibilities, and ensure the return of your bond upon vacating the premises.